Mr. Páraic Duffy:

I come from County Monaghan and, similarly to Deputy Brendan Smith, football is my first game. Hurling is unique and everybody from abroad who watches it is taken by the game. I am sure everyone present will have had the same experience.

The hurling we have had in recent years has brought that home. It is unique, something which is being recognised more and more. We are currently involved in a number of European projects with the European Union, in terms of keeping alive and recording the skills of the game. For us, there is a major advantage in the recognition of hurling as a unique warrior game in terms of spreading the sport. It also has advantages in terms of funding to protect the future of the game. That is dependent on the Government recognising the conventions. It is one area where the committee could be of some assistance.